15 Autumn Bucket List Ideas

When I think of autumn, I think of seeing the beautiful changing leaves, cozy sweaters, sipping hot drinks, and getting into the spooky season as we approach Halloween. The United States has a lot of strong fall traditions, but I’ve added many international experiences to my personal autumn bucket list as well. I hope this autumn bucket list inspires your future fall travels!

Leaf Peeping in New England

New England is the first place that comes to mind when fall foliage comes up. Take a road trip through the northeastern part of the USA to enjoy vibrant landscapes and get outside to get up close and personal with the trees whose leaves have been set afire by the change of seasons. You’ll find plenty of apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and wonderful seasonal activities to get the most out of this autumn bucket list destination.

Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

This autumn festival started out as a royal wedding celebration in the early 1800s and became an annual event since everyone enjoyed it so much. Today’s celebrations draw millions of attendees, many of whom are decked out in traditional Bavarian garb of lederhosen and dirndl as they enjoy traditional music, food, and drink in the festive carnival atmosphere. This festival is high on my autumn bucket list and I hope to get to experience it with a giant pretzel in one hand and a giant stein of delicious German beer in the other!

Diwali Festival in India

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a five day festival celebrated throughout India between October and November. Homes are lit with lamps and lanterns and nightly fireworks light up the streets to signify the victory of light over darkness. While the festival originates in Hindu traditions, over time it has become a festival celebrated by most Indians regardless of their religion. The stories behind Diwali vary by region in India and each day of the festival has certain traditions that are carried out. 

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 

Every October the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico hosts the world’s largest balloon festival for nine days. Attendees can enjoy watching the colorful hot air balloons float through the skies, take a ride in a balloon, and enjoy all the other events and festivities taking place. The Mass Ascension in the morning is said to be quite a sight to behold!

Fall Under the Spell of Salem, Massachusetts 

While Salem, Massachusetts can be visited anytime of year, all the witchy and haunted happenings during the Halloween season make it a popular autumn bucket list destination. Known for its dark place in American history as the site of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 when about 150 people were jailed for witchcraft and twenty of them sentenced to death (mostly by hanging). Today visitors can learn about this history at the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch House, and the Witch Trials Memorial. There are plenty of other spooky and witchy activities to be enjoyed around town and if you time your visit right you could combine a visit to Salem with some leaf peeping around New England!

Momiji-Gari (Leaf Peeping) in Japan

Momiji-gari, or leaf peeping, in the fall is nearly as popular in Japan as the sakura, or cherry blossoms, in the spring. This is the perfect time to visit the Japanese countryside to enjoy the fiery foliage of the maple trees. Lake Kawaguchi near Mt. Fuji, holds an annual Autumn Leaves Festival where visitors can enjoy seasonal food and drinks while taking in views of the famed Mt. Fuji. I have visions of taking a beautiful hike to admire the changing leaves then relaxing at a natural hot spring or outdoor onsen to soak my weary muscles.

Guy Fawkes Night in UK

Also known as Bonfire Night, this celebration is held annually on November fifth to commemorate the arrest of Guy Fawkes and the failed attempt Gunpowder Plot to blow up London’s House of Lords in 1605. Since then there have been celebrations throughout the United Kingdom every year to celebrate King James I surviving the attempt on his life. Although the US doesn’t celebrate, even I’ve known the “Remember, remember the fifth of November” line from the songs and poems about the event since childhood. I’ve always been curious about this fall tradition, and would love to experience it firsthand some year.

Golden Aspen Trees in Colorado

As the hours of daylight diminish, the leaves of aspen trees stop producing chlorophyll (which is what gives plants their green color) and and turn a golden yellow before they fall off the branches. Having lived my entire life on the east coast, I’m used to my fall foliage turning a range of oranges and reds. I’m fascinated that the aspen trees out west turn their groves into a golden wonderland and immediately upon learning about it added seeing them to my autumn bucket list. Peak is usually sometime from mid-September to mid-October, so keep an eye on local predictions to see them at their best. Whether driving a scenic byway, taking a hike, or even going on a horseback trail ride, soak in the lovely golden aspens.

Celebrate Halloween in Ireland

Halloween as I know it finds its roots in the Celtic Samhain traditions of Ireland. From carving jack-o-lanterns, to wearing costumes and masks, to spirits crossing over from the other side; all of these traditions originated in Ireland and were brought to North America by Irish immigrants. While today Halloween is most popular in North America and today’s celebrations are a far cry from how it originated, there are still celebrations in Ireland as well. County Meath was where Samhain originated and still hosts some authentic events while those looking for more modern celebrations can visit Ireland’s capital of Dublin or the city of Derry in Northern Ireland. Someday I’d love to celebrate Halloween in Ireland and cross this off my autumn bucket list.

Moon Festival in China

The Mid-Autumn Festival is often known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival after the traditional moon cakes enjoyed during this time. Celebrated at the full moon during the harvest season, it’s a time for family and friends gather to view the full moon and enjoy mooncakes together. Mooncakes are rich pastries traditionally filled with lotus seed or red bean paste, although today you can find many with less traditional fillings to suit your taste. The cakes are usually round in shape to symbolize togetherness and completeness just as the full moon symbolizes prosperity and reunion of family. The Moon Festival is among the most important celebrations in China and over time the traditions have spread to surrounding Asian countries.

Attend an American Football Game

Football is an American fall tradition, and fans look forward to the start of the season all spring and summer. If you’ve never attended an American football game, I’d steer you towards a college football game as the passion of students and student athletes is tough to beat, or an NFL game where there’s a strong tailgating culture (being from Buffalo, NY I’m partial to the Buffalo Bills). What is broadcasted for a couple hours on television is actually an all day event with fans starting their tailgate early in the morning with plenty of food, drinks, and games with friends.

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico

A beautiful remembrance of those who are no longer with us, Dia de Muertos is associated with Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1st and 2nd respectively. Families will visit the graves of their loved ones to tidy and decorate them with ofrendas, or alters. Ofrendas are also often built in homes, decorated with marigolds, photos, food and drink for the spirits, and belongings of the deceased. The intent is for the spirits of loved ones to come visit to hear their family sharing stories about them and enjoy the offerings left on the ofrendas for them before returning to the land of the dead. Modern celebrations are extending beyond cemeteries and private ofrendas with parties and parades being held. 

Loi Krathong/Yi Peng in Thailand

Known as the Thai Lantern Festival, Loy Krathong is celebrated throughout Thailand and has spread to some areas in nearby Laos and Myanmar. Krathongs are traditionally lotus shaped, candlelit baskets, which are released down rivers to pay respects to the goddess of water while homes are decorated with candles and lanterns. In Northern Thailand, Loi Krathong coincides with Yi Peng where floating lanterns are released into the sky. These festivals are based in Buddhism and when releasing a lantern or krathong, it’s symbolic of releasing all the negatives from the previous year. It’s also believed that if you make a wish on your lantern and do good deeds in the following year, your wish will come true.

Larch Trees in Banff National Park, Canada

More trees! I did mention at the beginning of this list that I think of changing foliage when fall comes to mind, so you really shouldn’t be surprised that I have so many destinations listed to see it. I’ve only recently learned about larch trees which are actually a conifer tree, but not an evergreen. The needles on these deciduous trees turn golden yellow before falling much like the aspens that I also have on my autumn bucket list. As larches grow best in colder climates and higher altitudes, the best places to see them will be in the mountains. Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is home to many larch trees and the famed Larch Valley. Though the area might be better known for its glacier lakes, the glow of the golden larches against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies is also a big draw.

Indulge in the Bounty of the Tuscan Harvest

Tuscan cuisine is all about what’s in season and during the fall harvest there’s a wealth of deliciousness available. Autumn is the time wineries are harvesting their grapes and will offer vino novello as well as the olive harvest when freshly pressed green olive oil is available. Chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, and truffles are all also bountiful during the autumn and there are many festivals throughout October and November celebrating these harvests. In addition to the fabulous food to be had, summer is usually considered high season for tourism in Italy, so those visiting during the fall months can enjoy exploring the autumn landscape with less crowds.

There are so many things to do during the fall months that make it the perfect time to plan a trip! From the beauty of the changing seasons to unique celebrations held around the world, there’s something for everyone. 

Are any of these destinations on your autumn bucket list?